Low Experience Pre-requisite / Focus on Cultural and Natural Interpretation / TRAK Kayak Required | On-site delivery available.
- Region: Palawan, The Philippines
- Duration: 6 Days, 5 Nights
- Skill Level: Beginner/Intermediate
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Dates:
- May 8-14, 2026
- May 22-28, 2026
- May 7-13, 2027
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May 14-27, 2027
Paddle Through Paradise: Discover the Timeless Beauty of Palawan by Kayak
Tucked away in the western fringes of the Philippine archipelago, Palawan Island is often called the “last ecological frontier”, and for good reason. It is a place where nature still reigns, where ancient limestone cliffs rise dramatically from the sea, and where lagoons shimmer in countless shades of blue. For kayakers, Palawan isn’t just a destination but it’s an experience, a journey through time, silence, and wonder.
A Kayaker’s Dream Landscape
Paddling in Palawan offers a front-row seat to some of the most breathtaking seascapes in the world. Unlike speedboats that skim across the water, a kayak allows you to quietly slip into narrow inlets, glide through peaceful mangrove forests, and approach remote beaches with minimal impact on the environment. Every paddle stroke brings you closer to nature, sea turtles surfacing beside you, reef fish darting through coral gardens below, and kingfishers calling from above.
In El Nido, perhaps the crown jewel of Palawan, kayakers can explore the iconic Big and Small Lagoons, where vertical limestone cliffs encircle calm, crystal-clear waters. The stillness is broken only by the sound of your paddle and the occasional splash of marine life. Drift into secret coves, find untouched beaches, and swim in warm, aquamarine waters surrounded by coral reefs teeming with life.
Getting There
Via Plane
Manila → Puerto Princesa → Van to El Nido
(~6–9 hrs)
More flight options (PAL, Cebu Pacific, AirAsia) may involve van transfers.
Via Ferry
Manila → El Nido (~13–19 hr trip)
Operator: Atienza Interisland Ferries
Vessel Type: RORO overnight ships
Schedule & Fare: Departs Manila mid-week/weekends (~6 PM), arrives El Nido next afternoon
Accommodation and Camping
On Day 0 and Day 6, accommodations will be arranged at a comfortable hotel or resort in the El Nido area—serving as the staging point before and after the expedition.
During Days 1–5, participants will camp on open beaches, following Leave No Trace principles to protect the natural environment.
Meals
Kayak Philippines has partnered with a trusted local provisioning team to handle meal planning and logistics throughout the expedition. This team will travel aboard the support banca (local boat) and manage the camp kitchen setup and food preparation. Expect hearty, rustic meals inspired by regional Filipino cuisine, using fresh local ingredients!
Support Crew
A dedicated crew of local guides and boatmen will accompany the expedition. They will handle boat support, assist with camp logistics, and contribute invaluable cultural insight throughout the journey. Their presence ensures smooth coordination and a deeper connection with Palawan’s people and traditions.
Communications
Cellular service is generally reliable in towns, but may be inconsistent or unavailable once we are off-grid and island-hopping. If staying connected is critical, we recommend bringing a satellite communicator (e.g., Garmin) or renting a satellite phone. These tools offer location tracking and basic messaging capabilities at a reasonable cost.
Luggage Storage
Kayak Philippines will provide secure storage for your luggage bags, non-expedition gear, and town clothing at our El Nido staging hotel/resort. Please ensure that all essential items (e.g., original travel documents, valuables) are securely packed and brought with you on the expedition. We also recommend placing photocopies of key documents (passport, ID, insurance) in your stored luggage as a precaution.
Meet your guides
Harvey Tapan
Harvey actively participates in promoting kayaking experiences, such as free kayaking sessions that showcase stunning views like that of El Nido / Coron Palawan, Hundred Island Pangasinan, Taal Volcano, and other major kayak destinations in the country which he organizes at Kayak Philippines' boat camp in Puerto Atalaya, Tanauan, Batangas. In his role as a kayak leader, Tapan not only leads excursions but also fosters a community around the sport, encouraging both locals and tourists to engage with the natural beauty of the Philippines through kayaking.
What you'll learn:
What we're going to do:
Itinerary:
What is included?
What's not included?
Palawan Expedition - TRAK Tour: May 2026 & 2027
For kayakers, Palawan isn’t just a destination - it’s an experience, a journey through time, silence, and wonder. This is a place where nature still reigns, where ancient limestone cliffs rise dramatically from the sea, and where lagoons shimmer in countless shades of blue. More information below.
Pairs well with
Palawan Expedition - TRAK Tour: May 2026 & 2027
Trip leaders who care
All TRAK Trips are facilitated by qualified paddlers with in-depth experience in TRAK Kayaks, so you can learn pro-tips from the source. We are proud to work with professional guides and paddling instructors from all over the world.
FAQs
Please read our FAQs page to find out more.
Are TRAK Kayaks designed for air travel?
Yes! Our latest model, the TRAK 2.0, packs into a rolling travel bag specially designed to meet airline requirement for check luggage. For recommended best practices for flying with a TRAK folding kayak, visit this page.
Are my flights included in the price?
Your transportation to and from the starting location is not included in the trip price. For more information about flights and logistics, contact our team.
What accommodations are provided?
Each TRAK trip is uniquely tailored for paddlers based on their comfort zones. Some trips are designed for paddlers with lots of backcountry experience and personal camping gear, while others are designed for paddlers who prefer a leisure experience with comfortable fixed roof accommodations. Contact TRAK to find the trip that's right for you.
What's your cancellation policy?
If you must cancel your trip booking prior to the start date, TRAK will either credit the amount you paid towards a future TRAK trip of your choice, or provide a refund based on the following:
- 60 days or more prior to the trip departure date – full amount is refunded minus a $150 administration fee per person (the guest is responsible for any costs incurred for cancelling any additional tours or travel arrangements).
- 59-30 days prior to the trip departure date – 50% of total tour price is refunded.
- Less than 30 days prior to the trip departure date – no refund will be given.
